- Current location: Co. Derry
- Countdown: 7 days until I head down to Cork!
- Base backpack weight: ~9kg, inc. tent, stove, bag, mat etc.
- GiveWheel status: Live!
The Plan
Next Monday, I will be travelling via train to Cork from Coleraine. It’s the natural jumping off point to reach Mizen Head the day after, making use of a couple more buses to reach the visitor centre. Once I have wrapped up there, I’ll officially be starting the ~900km walk north! Will probably keep it to around 20-25km that day to ease my legs into it, then gradually increase as the days go on.
The Cause
This isn’t just a test of endurance, but a fundraisers for two charities very close to my heart. Namely, Haemochromatosis UK, and NI Chest, Heart and Stroke.
Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with hereditary haemochromatosis – sometimes called the “celtic curse” due to its high prevalence throughout Ireland and the UK. Genetic iron overload is a lifelong, yet entirely manageable, affliction. However, as it causes organ damage if left undiagnosed, it can be a deadly combination with heart disease.
As many as 1 in 10 people in Northern Ireland have genetic haemochromatosis, and over 230,000 people are living with cardiovascular disease. I am walking to raise funds and awareness of this unfortunate combination of diseases – education and research are our best weapons against them.
Minimising Weight on the Road
To save my knees, back, and sanity I will be compressing my life into a 40 litre backpack. It served me very well over three months of interrailing throughout Europe, so I can only hope it continues its service…
My sleep system and cooking apparatus are as ultralight as the budget will allow – it certainly won’t be a luxurious month of travel, but I find that gives its own opportunities!
Clothing options will be minimal, but I’ll have enough for a decent all-weather setup. Anyone from around here knows how changeable a day’s climate can be. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.